What do you think?

Life is to be enjoyed and experienced. The majority of people think that having lots of money is what makes life so enjoyable but it is experiences that really make life worth living.

One of the biggest gripes most people have is that they just don’t have the money to enjoy themselves.

They work and work and work to pay bills, to keep a roof over their head and send their kids to the best schools, but they never really take out any time to actually enjoy life.

Yes, money can buy things, but as cliché as it may sound, money does not necessarily buy happiness.

The best things in life aren’t things.

Even if you don’t have a lot of money, that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your life and having amazing experiences.

It is possible to thoroughly enjoy yourself while you’re on a budget and the following are some ways to do just that.

Stick To Your Budget

Before offering some ways that you can enjoy yourself on a budget, it’s vital to stress the importance of sticking to your budget. You don’t need to splurge to have a good time.

Are those absurd credit card charges and extortionate interest rates really necessary to gain enjoyment, or can you find other ways to get your kicks?

Cheap Things To Do

Things To Do Outside

Getting outside is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself on a budget. Whether you are a nature lover or someone that simply enjoys being outside among people, there’s so much to do and see both near and far if you’re willing to get out there and do some exploring.

What’s best is that many of these outdoor activities are quite affordable.

Some great low-cost ways to enjoy yourself while out and about during your free time include:

1. Picnics

Instead of having lunch inside, why not pack a lunch and go to a local park for a picnic. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while eating good food and saving money.

2. Festivals

Festivals of any type are a great way to enjoy yourself on a budget. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall, a good street festival guarantees great entertainment that’s easy on the pockets.

There are usually lots of things to see, delicious food to eat and great live music to enjoy.

3. Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets are a special treat because you get the opportunity to discover a wide assortment of foods and handcrafted items that can be purchased at much more affordable prices than your local grocery store.

Just decide how much you are willing to spend before going to the farmer’s market, so that you remain on budget and enjoy perusing among the seasonal offerings from local farms and craftspeople.

2. Arts and Crafts

Creativity doesn’t cost a cent. They’re plenty of ways that you can use your imagination and creativity to enjoy your spare time.

From creating watercolour paintings, to making boats, bracelets or sculptures, there are wide assortments of arts and crafts that you can do from home that are quite inexpensive.

3. Game or Movie Night

Make it a good night in by enjoying a round of games or movies.

Whether you’re an avid gamer or a sincere movie lover, video games and movies are a budget-friendly way to enjoy yourself at home.

4. Listen To or Make Music

Everyone loves music and it is a great way to enjoy yourself while on a budget.

Spend some time making a playlist of your favourite tunes, or even your own music and then have a dance party by yourself or with friends and family.

If you are vinyl lover, enjoy the beautiful artwork of the various album covers while you pick out your favourite albums for the turntable.

Some other ways to enjoy yourself cheaply inside include:

Visiting a library

Writing

Decorating

Visiting a record store

Playing with pets

Exercising

Visiting a museum

Bowling

Reading

Ways To Relax

Self-care is also a great part of enjoying yourself and you don’t have to go to some fancy expensive spa to do so. You can experience tranquillity and happiness in an assortment of budget-friendly ways.

4. Spa Day

Pamper yourself from the comfort of your own home by creating your own special spa day.

Think of all of the spa treatments that you enjoy and create your own DIY spa treatments using natural ingredients from your local grocery store.

From sugar scrubs to scented Epsom salt soaks, you can create your own spa day with all the spa treatments you love at less than half the cost of a traditional spa.

Some other ways to wind down on a budget include:

Yoga

Soothing baths

Listening to relaxing music

Cuddling with pets or loved ones

Lighting candles

Reiki

Facials

Taking an early morning or evening stroll

Learning To Relax And Enjoy Life

So, whether you’re looking to enjoy yourself out and about, stay home and rest, or wind down with some peace and tranquility, there are ways that you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, your free time is what you make of it. Don’t let money or the lack of it keep you from thoroughly enjoying your life. There are plenty of affordable ways that you can enjoy yourself on a budget.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.

Robert Breault

If you have any ideas or stories regarding enjoying yourself on a budget, please write them in the comments box below!